Alejandro Garnacho's strained relationship with Manchester United could open the door for a high-stakes summer move to Chelsea, who are actively hunting for a new winger.
It wasn’t too long ago that Alejandro Garnacho was seen as the next big thing at Manchester United—a livewire winger with flair, fearlessness, and a swagger that reminded some of a young Cristiano Ronaldo. But fast-forward to summer 2025, and things couldn’t be more different.
Behind the scenes, Garnacho has grown increasingly disillusioned at Old Trafford. His relationship with new United boss Ruben Amorim has reportedly turned frosty, and recent antics—including a now-infamous Instagram post of him wearing an Aston Villa shirt with Marcus Rashford’s name—have only added fuel to the fire. To many, it seemed like a quiet scream for help. Or, perhaps, a not-so-subtle hint: he wants out.
And that’s where Chelsea come in.
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A Move That’s Been Brewing
Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho isn’t sudden. The Blues have been tracking the 20-year-old since January and even considered a mid-season approach. Back then, United weren’t ready to let him go. Now, the door might be slightly ajar.
Several reports quoting sources close to the situation say Garnacho is part of a three-man shortlist for Chelsea’s left-wing spot. With uncertainty surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk—now charged in a doping case—and growing interest in Noni Madueke, Garnacho has moved higher on the club’s radar.
His talent is not in question. What’s uncertain is whether Chelsea believe they can harness his fire without getting burned.
A Complicated Puzzle: Enter Nkunku
Interestingly, Manchester United’s own transfer radar includes Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku. The Frenchman, who arrived at Stamford Bridge with high expectations, has seen his debut season hampered by injuries and stiff competition from Cole Palmer.
United are monitoring Nkunku, but insiders stress he’s not their primary target—more like a “Plan B” if other deals fall through. Still, with United’s recruitment boss Christopher Vivell—formerly at Leipzig and Chelsea—keen on Nkunku, a connection exists.
No official swap deal is on the table, but the idea of Garnacho and Nkunku trading clubs through separate transfers is being quietly explored by both sides.
Chelsea’s Winger Wishlist Growing
Alongside Garnacho, Chelsea are in active talks with Borussia Dortmund over Jamie Gittens. Their 42 million-pound bid was rejected, but a face-to-face meeting is planned during the Club World Cup in the US Dortmund want 50 million pounds, and Bayern Munich are now circling, but Chelsea remain confident.
Malick Fofana from Lyon is also being monitored. But depending on outgoings—particularly Mudryk and Madueke—the Blues could be tempted to sign more than one wide attacker this summer.
If Garnacho becomes available, Chelsea know they can’t afford to hesitate.
From Frustration to Freedom?
For Garnacho, a move to Chelsea could offer more than a change of scenery. It could be a clean slate.
At United, he’s been a source of drama and delight in equal measure—his potential always threatened by his impulsive nature. At Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca’s structured system, there’s a chance to reset, mature, and evolve.
The question is: Can Chelsea be the club that turns Garnacho the prodigy into Garnacho the professional?
Or will the London lights be just another stage for chaos?
